A local family lost everything when the home they were living in was destroyed by fire Nov. 20.

The home was located at 4050 McCormick Road.

Constance Centers lived there with her husband and three children. She said her oldest daughter, Jasmine Edwards, discovered the fire when she came home from school and went looking for her sister.

When Edwards approached her parents’ bedroom she could feel the heat and could see smoke so she tried to rescue anyone who was home or their pets. No one was home at the time, however,
Edwards got out with four animals, but two—a cat and a chihuahua—died in the fire, Centers said.

She said she’s proud of her daughter for quick thinking.
“She’s brave,” Centers said of Jasmine.

Firefighters arrived about 4:30 p.m. and began a battle to get the fire under control, Battalion Chief Jody Thomas said.

He said the fire appeared to have started in a bedroom and spread to other rooms.

While the fire was contained to just a few rooms the entire home had smoke and water damage so it is considered a complete loss, Thomas said.

Firefighters remained on the scene until about 7 p.m. putting out hot spots, he said.

The fire remains under investigation, but Thomas said there was nothing suspicious found at the scene.

Ten personnel responded to the scene as well as two fire engines, a tanker truck and two ambulances.

Centers said the family could use the public’s help. Some kind people have already provided them with food and some clothing, she said.
“Any kind of help would be appreciated,” Centers said. “We’re not picky and we could use everything.”

The first priority, she said, is finding the $500 electricity deposit for the place they will be moving into. They are currently staying with Centers’ father.